I was never, ever into tattoos. Never. It just was not my thing. Four years ago, if you asked me if I would ever get a tattoo, the answer would be “never.”
Never say never…On December 12th, 2011, the day after Hannah’s funeral, I got a tattoo.
I remember soon after Grey passed away, his mom got this beautiful tattoo on her leg for Grey. It was then that I thought, “what an amazing way to keep him close to her!” It was bright, it was beautiful, and it was designed into something that was what reminded her of her sweet boy.
The idea for me doing this first came about six months ago. Well, actually it was a bit earlier than that, but that was when I first mentioned it to Daddy. I had no idea what I wanted to do for the tattoo, but I knew that I wanted to have some kind of permanence of Hannah with me always.
It wasn’t until Hannah was placed into hospice and we started working on the Little Miss Hannah Foundation that it came to me. Even though my initial idea for a logo wasn’t a sun, one thing led to another, and then it led me to one of Hannah’s favorite songs at the end of her life, “You are my sunshine.” She loved when I sang that song…she would smile so big!
The day after the funeral, a dear friend, Abby, and I were at lunch, and I told her how I was thinking about getting a tattoo. Not knowing that she had a few of her own already, she said “Let’s do it now!” I didn’t even hesitate. I said “Yes!”
My little sunshine, my dear Hannah, will always be with me
So Abby, my friend Heather, and I found a tattoo place, and I showed the artist a picture of the sun graphic that I had found. As I was doing the paperwork, I knew it needed a bit more. I asked him if he could have the sun turn into a heart on its inside. He came up with the design, and it was just perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect.
I got it on my left inside wrist. Even though it hurt like crazy at times, I knew that was the place I wanted it. It was the easiest part of my body that could cross my heart so I could connect the heart on my wrist to the heart in my body.
My friend got a similar tattoo for Hannah, the same sun with an adorable little lady bug inside because Hannah was our little ladybug.
I love it. I’m going to get it touched up in a few weeks because the color isn’t as vivid as I had hoped, but the design is just perfect. I have my little sunshine, my sweet Hannah who has forever captured my heart, permanently attached to me.
After I got this tattoo, Heather asked her friend to redesign the Little Miss Hannah Foundation logo to match my tattoo. It represents everything I feel about Hannah and what she brought to this world – sunshine, love, and brightness. And it represents what I hope we can bring to other families with kids who have terminal rare diseases, those who will have to go through a similar journey that we went through.
When Abby, Heather, and I got back to the house after getting the tattoo, Abby was so excited to tell Daddy. She thought I was so cool for getting a tattoo and that she got to watch me get it.
Daddy wasn’t surprised at all…but he did say with a big grin, “This is the only one you plan to get, right?”
Never say never… right?
Love it Carrie! As you said..”it’s perfect! “
It is perfect!
Just perfect!
U go girl it looks amazin!
I have a Gage tattoo in the exact same place as you have your Hannah one! I love being able to see it. It is a little dinosaur with his name. I also have the Velveteen Rabbit on my leg for him. And don’t be surprised if you want more;) I love the design!
Is Daddy getting one too? You are my hero… I want one, but the fear of pain holds me back!
You couldn’t pick anything better than that!!!That is the one and it’s perfect.
So *now* it comes out how you got that wonderful logo!! What a wonderful way to keep Hannah close 🙂 Love you and miss you guys!!
Carrie, like you, tattoos have never been my “thing”. I’ve always said that tattoos are OK, in moderation, for other people, but I have never considered getting one. However, your “never say never” view is spot on. Weighing the upside of having a permanent reminder of your sweet girl with you, on you, always and forever visible, your (and my) preconceived notions about tattoos now seem so closed minded. On that note, it’s remarkable that Hannah is once again helping us all to see the world and ourselves less rigidly and narrowly. I didn’t have a resolution for 2012, but now I do. For 2012, I resolve to be more open minded and less judgmental about situations, particularly ones that I don’t fully understand, because there’s almost always another side to the story (or two). Thank you, Hannah…
So perfect
Totally impressive! NOW I know how much you loved her 😉 (cause I would never get a tattoo!
I have been wanting to get another one…. i think I just found my next one! XOXOXOX
oh I guess I should ask…would that be okay with you?
Renee, no need to ask 😉
xoxoxo
It is beautiful, Carrie!
It’s beautiful Carrie!
I was the same way. I thought i would never get a tattoo, but after thinking about it for about a year, I had my kids names tattooed around my ankle, joined by hearts. I love it. It makes me feel like they are with me always.
Loooove it! I absolutely adore the logo for the foundation. It is bright, fun and a perfect symbol for Hannah and the amazing things the foundation will do! Even down to the font…perfection!
Awesome!
It’s beautiful!!!! I think it’s perfect!
LOVE the tattoo!!! What tattoo place did you get it done at? I just finally got one for my mom in same place on my left wrist…great minds think alike 🙂
Good morning to you Carrie. HUGS.
Jennifer, I got it at Executive Tattoo Lounge. Ruecifer, did a great job on me and Heather! Can’t wait to see yours 🙂
yes I need to take a new pic! and I also will be getting mine touched up when I am out there next…